No turning back now!

[Brian2034]

Yes might look for a radio with the glide slope indicator but for now I’ll cut the hole for the vor

[M20F]

On 1/26/2025 at 8:19 AM, Fritz1 said:

Monitor is in my future, how did you decide between the MVP and the large JPI, think the large one is called the 930

I asked Maxwell that very question and he just said “MVP is better”.  That was 15yrs ago so YMMV but I haven’t been disappointed. 
 
That being said I would absolutely value a solid autopilot/GPS over an engine monitor.  The internet loves them but I flew 25yrs without an engine monitor and no problem (GO-480 and TSIO-520 both of which are “special” compared to my IO-360). 

[Brian2034]

Right side panel getting close just waiting for a usb outlet to finish. Any suggestions on panel finish
Paint?
Vinyl wrap?

[Pinecone]

I used a gray that is darker than medium, but not real dark.  White lettering.

[Brian2034]

I’m also leaning toward a darker grey and thinking vinyl wrap that way I can get the breaker labels and other items printed on the wrap.

[Hank]

2 hours ago, Brian2034 said:

I’m also leaning toward a darker grey and thinking vinyl wrap that way I can get the breaker labels and other items printed on the wrap.

Engrave the lettering into the panel, anodize it, then go back.and fill in the letters with contrasting paint. It will look sharp and last forever!

[1967 427]

5 hours ago, Hank said:

Engrave the lettering into the panel, anodize it, then go back.and fill in the letters with contrasting paint. It will look sharp and last forever!

Powder paint and silkscreening looks even better 

[MikeOH]

11 hours ago, 1967 427 said:

Powder paint and silkscreening looks even better 

You may have more resolution with silk screening, but nothing is going to beat etch and fill on an anodized panel for longevity.

[1967 427]

5 hours ago, MikeOH said:

You may have more resolution with silk screening, but nothing is going to beat etch and fill on an anodized panel for longevity.

I guess I am tainted by how crappy the engraving looks in my plane.  Looks like it was done by a prisoner using his shiv as an engraving tool instead of shanking another prisoner.

 

[MikeOH]

55 minutes ago, 1967 427 said:

I guess I am tainted by how crappy the engraving looks in my plane.  Looks like it was done by a prisoner using his shiv as an engraving tool instead of shanking another prisoner.

 

Yikes! I see what you mean. That was not a proper etch and fill by any means. Also, engraving is not the same thing as etch and fill which is the most expensive method.

[Pictreed]

On 3/3/2025 at 4:55 PM, Hank said:

Engrave the lettering into the panel, anodize it, then go back.and fill in the letters with contrasting paint. It will look sharp and last forever!

I started to go that way but how would you go back and paint it?  By hand?

I couldn't get my laser to cut deep enough on anodizing, but we have a new laser that seems to work better

[Hank]

2 hours ago, Pictreed said:

I started to go that way but how would you go back and paint it?  By hand?

Dab paint to cover and fill the lettering, then wipe the surface clean. This should leave the letters nicely filled. Touch up as needed before it dries  

[Pictreed]

Someone mentioned taking it to a t-shirt place to have them screen print the lettering. Has anyone done that?

[MikeOH]

15 minutes ago, Pictreed said:

Someone mentioned taking it to a t-shirt place to have them screen print the lettering. Has anyone done that?

Not a good idea. The inks used are completely different. Also realize that surface printed silkscreen will wear off. That can be ameliorated with a sprayed clear coat. Still inferior to etch and fill. Another option is 1 1/2 color anodize.